Sprint HTC Snap: Hands on!

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Forget the Palm Pre, never mind the iPhone 3GS, we've managed to get our mitts on the shortly-to-be-released Sprint HTC Snap! (insert snicker) Sprint looks to be the first out the gate with this entry-level messenger device and it'due south made some changes from the GSM version that debuted only a few months ago.

Running Windows Mobile 6.1, the Sprint Snap (it actually keeps the HTC name) is replacing the venerable just trouble-prone Motorola Q9c.

Wanna know all the deets, run across some pics and get our first-impressions? Read on for our exclusive mini-review!

Lets become down to brass tacks — yous're WMExperts, and then you want specs! And so here they are:

WM6.i Standard (OS five.2.21041/Build 21043.ane.62)
Available Storage: ~63mb (128mb)
Available Retentivity/RAM: ~70mb (256mb)
External Storage: microSD (nether cover)
Processor: Qualcomm MSM-7625 at 528mhz
Resolution: 320x240
Bluetooth two.0
Data: EvDO Rev A
Bombardment: 1500mAh
Connectors: MiniUSB
Photographic camera: 2MP
GPS: aGPS w/QuickGPS

What'due south missing?

No WiFi
No three.5mm headphonejack
No side pollex-cycle
No trackball

Cost is expected to exist $149/$519 depending on your contract status.

Software Included

Cyberspace Explorer 6 (new version)
Internet Sharing
HTC Inner Circle
Windows Live/Messenger
MS Voice Command
Adobe Reader LE
HTC Anthology
HTC Dwelling
Audio Booster (for headphone use)
Bluetooth Explorer
HTC Camera/Video
HTC Comm Manager
HTC Streaming Media
HTC YouTube App
HTC Vocalisation Recorder
Google (links to Google downloads)
Live Search
OZ Instant Messenger
HTC MP3 Trimmer
Sprint Music/NASCAR/NFL
Sprint Software/Navigation/TV
QuickGPS
Remote Desktop
RSS Hub (Illium Newsbreak)

Woo, that is quite the software packet. You'll notice the ton-o-HTC apps in that list and like usual, they fill in Microsoft'due south gaps nicely.

First impressions

The device is very similar to the Palm Treo Pro in size and design. Both have the same behemothic removable back embrace, 1500mAh batteries (not interchangeable), side speaker and that general look. Simply the Treo Pro, likewise manufactured by HTC, is of much better quality in terms of feel and build.

The Snap's keyboard is not as large as I anticipated and information technology is very "clicky," with a Caps push right next to the "A," which tin can cause some problems. Still, it's not bad. The D-pad is a bit cheap feeling and would take really liked to have tried a roller-ball-pointer thingy, like on the original Snap.

Speaker and earpiece, similar the Treo Pro, are both of high quality and have a nice range for volume.

The screen, still but 320x240, is very precipitous, crisp and bright.

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Speed? It's a very snappy Snap. That 528MHz processor is a sugariness spot for WM devices these days and WM Standard is no dissimilar. The boot time is just seconds and opening any app, even Skyfire, is just a blink. Can't actually say I run into any lag. Also, internet speeds are but blazing fast on this device — it fifty-fifty seems quicker than the Treo Pro.

The Camera/Video is actually very expert for simply being ii megapixels in resolution. Information technology is the quickest photographic camera I've used on a Windows Mobile device, which is a nice experience.

Inner Circumvolve is kind of a pain to ready if you have hundreds of contacts (as will those most likely to use information technology in the first place) and you can't merely type-and-search to find a contact to add to it. Rather, you lot have to whorl the whole contacts list, checking off whom to add. Once fix though, it's pretty cool.

The HTC Dwelling screen is nice as it includes their weather app. Cities are sort of limited just still, neat add together on.

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At that place is an orange LED for charging and information technology (gasp) blinks Greenish for all notifications (e-mail, SMS, voicemail)! There is besides a light sensor to adjust the keyboard lights but strangely not the screen. Weird.

Then far it's an interesting device. For outset-time users or those with bones needs, it should be solid. Definitely a step down for Treo Pro users and, to be honest, for an extra $50 you can become WiFi, 3.5mm headset jack and a 320x320 touchscreen in the Treo Pro, making the HTC Snap a somewhat strange choice. It'due south also a bit cheap feeling.

Got questions? Leave 'em in comments or hit me up on Twitter @malatesta77.

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